This ends the near five-month search for a successor to previous incumbent Steve Murphy, poached by HP in January to become UK sales director, and means that chief technology director Tony Reid who was the interim boss can return to his main role full-time.

One channel insider said Ball's introduction was made at the event held at Arsenal's Emirates stadium, before the cloud- and virtualisation-heavy agenda began in earnest. Keynote speakers included big cheeses from HDS and Brocade and footballing old timer Bob Wilson.

Ball, who took the reins as regional veep and GM for the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Turkey and Africa yesterday, moved from Orange Business Services where he was sales director. Prior to that he had a short spell – 10 months – as sales director for enterprise brands at EMC.

He is also no stranger to the channel, having spent a decade as a director at Computacenter, and was a one-time GM at Getronics.

Given Arsenal's disastrous, trophy-free season, Ball will likely be hoping that his unveiling at the Emirates is not an omen for his employment at HDS. ®